By Liam Twomey

The 40-year-old Australia international was a free agent having been released by Fulham, and he will now serve as backup to first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Chelsea has signed former Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on a free transfer, the club confirmed Tuesday.

Schwarzer has signed a one-year contract at Stamford Bridge, and he is expected to act as backup to first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Jose Mourinho had been the in the market for a goalkeeper following the departures of Ross Turnbull and Hilario, and the announcement Thibaut Courtois will spend another season on loan with Atletico Madrid.

Reports had linked the Blues with a 7 million pound move for Norwich No. 1 John Ruddy, but they have instead chosen Schwarzer, 40, who was released by Fulham following the arrival of Maarten Stekelenburg from Roma.

"It's a phenomenal club," Schwarzer told the club's official website. "It's one of the biggest and best clubs in the world, and it's an honor to sign for Chelsea. I didn't take much convincing to come here."